Autumn walks in Schenna and Merano, South Tyrol: vineyards, promenades and spa moments
Autumn is one of the loveliest times to explore Schenna and Merano, South Tyrol, on foot. The air feels clearer, the light grows warmer and the pace of the day slows down. Vineyards turn golden, apple orchards line the hillsides and above Merano the landscape carries that special mix of alpine freshness and Mediterranean warmth.
At Hohenwart, autumn walks begin almost on the doorstep. From Schenna, paths lead through vineyards, apple orchards and old cultural landscapes, down to the spa town of Merano or up to quieter places above the village. Some walks are light and easy, others a little more active. All of them share the same feeling: you do not have to go far to experience South Tyrol in autumn.
Car-free autumn walks from Hohenwart with the Südtirol Guest Pass
Many autumn walks around Hohenwart can be planned without a car. With the Südtirol Guest Pass Schenna, guests can use South Tyrol’s public transport network. The idea is simple: start walking from Hohenwart, explore Schenna or Merano on foot and return later by bus.
For international guests, this is especially helpful. There is no need to organise parking or walk the same route back. You can simply enjoy the views, the vineyards, the town, the gardens or a coffee in Merano, then return comfortably to Schenna.
Easy walk from Schenna to Merano: the Mitterplattweg
The Mitterplattweg is one of the loveliest walks for guests who want to connect Schenna and Merano in one easy autumn day. From Schenna, the path leads through apple orchards and vineyards towards Obermais and on into the heart of Merano.
For Hohenwart guests, this walk feels especially natural. You start almost from the hotel, leave Schenna slowly behind and move from sunny hillsides into a different atmosphere: villas, promenades, the Passer river, cafés and the old town of Merano.
This is not a demanding hike, but a gentle walk with plenty of South Tyrolean character. It takes about one hour and is ideal for guests who want a light, scenic route. Families can choose a pushchair-friendly variant, while couples or grandparents can take their time and enjoy Merano afterwards.
The return is simple: from Merano, bus 231 brings you back to Schenna with the Südtirol Guest Pass Schenna.
Hohenwart Tip: Walk down to Merano in the morning or around midday, enjoy a coffee or a stroll through town, and return by bus when you are ready. It is an easy, car-free Hohenwart day.
Merano in autumn: Tappeinerweg Trail and the promenades
Once you are in Merano, it is worth staying a little longer. In autumn, the spa town has its own quiet rhythm: palms and cypresses, riverside promenades, historic villas, cafés, warm afternoon light and views towards the surrounding mountains.
The Tappeinerweg Trail is one of Merano’s most beautiful walks. It runs above the town and offers views over Merano and the Burggrafenamt area. Along the way, Mediterranean, alpine and partly exotic plants grow side by side, giving the path its unmistakable character.
You do not have to think of the Tappeinerweg Trail as a full tour. It can simply be a relaxed extension of your day in Merano: walk a section, pause on a bench, look over the rooftops, return to town and later take the bus back to Schenna.
Hohenwart tip: Combine the Mitterplattweg with a short walk on the Tappeinerweg Trail. It is one of the easiest ways to experience both the landscape above Merano and the elegant green side of the spa town.
Trauttmansdorff Gardens in autumn
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle are not a hiking trail, but they are a beautiful addition to an autumn day in Merano. Paths, water features, viewpoints, seasonal colours and themed gardens come together in one of South Tyrol’s best-known attractions.
For international guests, Trauttmansdorff is an especially easy place to enjoy: a garden experience, a gentle walk and a view of Merano all in one. It works well as a separate visit or as an extension of a day spent in town.
Depending on the season and timetable, Trauttmansdorff can be reached via Merano or with the seasonal bus line 232 between Schenna and Trauttmansdorff. We are happy to check the current connections at reception.
Hohenwart tip: Choose Trauttmansdorff if you want to turn a simple walk to Merano into a fuller day of gardens, views and autumn colours.
Wine Trail Bacchus & Pomina in Schenna: autumn among the vines
The Wine Trail Bacchus & Pomina is the best choice for guests who want to experience Schenna’s wine landscape more closely. It starts in the village centre of Schenna and leads through the vineyards above Merano.
More than 20 stations tell stories of winegrowing, vineyard work, history and local details. In autumn, this trail feels especially fitting: the vines change colour, the sun lies warm on the slopes and views of Schenna Castle and Merano appear again and again.
The trail takes about 1.5 hours and is easy, though not suitable for pushchairs. Some sections are a little steeper, others are very relaxed. This keeps the walk varied without making it too demanding.
Guests who wish to continue towards Merano can combine the atmosphere of the Wine Trail with a walk down into town and return later by bus 231.
Hohenwart tip: Take more time than the walking time alone. The stations, the views and the autumn vineyards are best enjoyed slowly. A visit to the Innerleiterhof winery can also be a lovely addition.
For families: the Trail of Legends in Schenna
For families looking for a small autumn adventure, the Trail of Legends in Schenna is a charming option. It is short, easy and leads through woodland between the Thurnerhof and Schenna Castle. Along the way, carved figures, chestnut trees and old stories create a playful atmosphere.
In autumn, this little walk has just the right mood: leaves on the ground, light between the trees, soft sounds in the woods and a little imagination. Some of the legends are slightly spooky, so the trail is especially exciting for older children, while younger children often enjoy the figures and the chance to invent their own stories.
The walk takes about one hour and starts easily from Hohenwart towards the village centre and the school in Schenna.
Hohenwart tip: Families are well prepared before they set off. Rucksacks, hiking poles, child carriers, buggies and hiking maps can be borrowed at reception. Our team is also happy to recommend the right autumn walk for the day.
Farm Trail above Schenna: an active autumn walk
The Farm Trail on the Schennaberg is the most rural and active walk in this selection. It leads through the cultural landscape above Schenna, past historic farms, meadows, woodland sections and views over Merano and its surroundings.
This is where autumn shows its more traditional side. The landscape feels lived in and carefully worked with: farms, paths, meadows and places to stop along the way tell the story of a quieter side of South Tyrol.
The trail is moderately difficult and takes about 2.5 hours. It is a good choice for active walkers, couples, fit grandparents and families with older children who are used to walking. Hiking shoes are recommended.
To reach the starting area, guests can use bus line 231 towards Verdins or the Schenna hiking bus 234, depending on the timetable.
Hohenwart tip: Do not rush this walk. Clear views, colourful cultural landscapes and a possible stop along the way are exactly what make it a true autumn walk.
Back to Hohenwart: chestnuts, young wine and spa
Perhaps the best part of an autumn walk is the moment afterwards. Shoes come off, cheeks are still warm from the air outside and the day slowly returns to Hohenwart.
In autumn, the traditional afternoon Marende becomes a small Törggelen moment. Chestnuts are roasted on the terrace from 3 pm, served with Sußer, the young, still-fermenting wine from our own vineyard. It is simple, warm and deeply South Tyrolean. Exactly right after a day spent walking through Schenna, Merano or the vineyards.
For families, the day can continue in the playroom or the FamilySpa. Adults find quiet in the VistaSpa, in the warm saltwater pool with views over Merano or during a peaceful moment on the terrace.
This is how an autumn walk at Hohenwart ends: not with the last step of the trail, but with the feeling of returning to a place that welcomes the day back in.
Moments that last. In the place that lasts.